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Punctuation: A Crash Course

Common punctuation mistakes and how to fix them

Still Confused about Independent + Dependent Clauses?

Here's a video that explains independent + dependent clauses in more depth:

What Are Run-On Sentences + Comma Splices?

You may receive feedback from your instructor telling you to watch out for "run-on sentences" or "comma splices." These errors are very common, but what are they?

  • Run-on sentence: Two or more independent clauses in the same sentence without anything to connect them
  • Comma splice: Two or more independent clauses in the same sentence joined by only a comma

Examples:

  • Run-on sentence: The thief stole the painting the cop caught him.
  • Comma splice: The thief stole the painting, the cop caught him. 

Both are incorrect.

Fixing Run-Ons + Comma Splices

After you locate a run-on sentence or comma splice in your writing, how do you fix it? 

  • Semicolon: Use a semicolon as "glue" between the two independent clauses. 

The thief stole the painting, the cop caught him. ✗ 

The thief stole the painting the cop caught him. ✗ 

The thief stole the painting; the cop caught him. ✔

  • "FANBOYS": Use a comma + the word for, and, nor, but, or, yet, or so (the "FANBOYS"). 

The thief stole the painting, but the cop caught him. ✔

  • Period: Separate the run-on sentence or comma splice into two separate sentences. 

The thief stole the painting. The cop caught him. ✔

Test Your Knowledge

More on Run-Ons + Comma Splices

Watch this video for another description of run-on sentences and comma splices:

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